The owner of Aitken’s in Cathcart Street said the shop had been losing money and he decided to call it a day.

Proprietor David Adams, pictured, who has run the store for 17 years, shut up shop last week and is now clearing out fixtures and fittings.

Mr Adams blames the recession, the internet shopping boom and supermarkets diversifying for the downturn in trade.

He said: “I’m absolutely gutted. I don’t think I’ve been through such a horrible experience.

“I have been here for 17 years — it’s a long time and the shop has been here for 45 years.

“It’s the end of an era. Independent shops are disappearing fast.

“I can see the high street becoming absolutely obliterated over the next 10 years and littered with coffee shops and pound shops.

“There are probably all sorts of people who go to superstores and think they are getting a bargain, but they are are not.

“A lot of customers are upset about the shop closing. I’ve had three or four in asking for things and I’ve had to tell them it’s all gone. Now they don’t know where to go.” Mr Adams, 68, who lives in Kilmacolm, wants to thank his loyal customers for their support.

He said: “I want to thank my customers very much for the last 17 years. I have enjoyed them tremendously.” Staff at the Harbour Barbers next door told the Tele that they were upset to see the ironmongers pull down the shutters.

Owner Euan Morrison said: “We are really sad to see them go and it won’t go unnoticed.

“David is a good friend of ours and he will be sadly missed.

“Everyone is talking about what a blow it is to the street. “ Mr Adams was the third owner of the business, which was started by David Aitken, then run by Muir McLaurin when the founder emigrated to Australia.

The Tele first broke the news that the shop was closing in December, and Mr Aitken saw the article online from his home in Australia.

He was saddened to hear the business he founded all those years ago was closing and his daughter Linda contacted the Telegraph with her own fond memories of the shop.

She said: “My dad is now 82-years-old but still remembers his shop with fond memories.

“I know he will feel very sad that it is closing.

“My father loved the shop and worked within the local community in many ways.

“He would always assist the elderly people who needed locks or security for their homes.

“I have many fond memories of working in the shop on a Saturday and getting my pocket money.

“My dad taught us a lot about tools and when men came into the shop and asked for some obscure one, I would smile when I knew what it was they wanted. Til this day I still do many household tasks thanks to my dad.” It is believed a fishing tackle and outdoor clothing shop will be taking over the lease of the premises.